The LAP-BAND® is a restrictive procedure approved by the US FDA in June 2001. It has been widely used in Europe and Australia since 1993. The device is made of a silicone elastomer that has been proven to be very safe.

The LAP-BAND® is fastened around the upper stomach to create a new, tiny stomach pouch. The band is connected to an access port below the skin surface by thin, kink-resistant silicone tubing. The port allows the surgeon to adjust the size of the LAP-BAND® system to meet individual patient weight loss needs by adding or removing saline to inflate or deflate the band. This impacts the amount and consumption rate of food. The goal rate of weight loss is 1-3 lbs. a week. Adjustments to the band, which are performed during simple outpatient visits, are determined by the patient's weight loss, the amount of food that can be comfortably eaten, and other issues surrounding the patient's health. As a result, patients experience an earlier sensation of fullness and are very satisfied with smaller amounts of food.

Morbidly obese patients have an incredibly high risk of related health problems and premature death; therefore the FDA has certified the LAP-BAND® System in the treatment of obesity: This operation, can be accomplished with a fast, simple, laparoscopic technique.

Developed to aid in long-term weight loss, the LAP-BAND® System has been used by leading laparoscopic surgeons worldwide to treat severe obesity. Sustained weight loss with the LAP-BAND® System is achieved by reducing the capacity of the stomach. The LAP-BAND® System has been designed for laparoscopic placement, which offers the advantages of reduced post-operative pain, no hospital stay and quicker recovery. No cutting or stapling of the stomach is required, and there is no need to bypass portions of the stomach or intestines.

• Reduced pain, no hospital stay and less recovery time compared to the invasive gastric bypass surgery, stomach stapling (or conventional weight loss surgeries)
• Procedure is performed without the need to cut or staple the stomach
• Technique is adjustable and reversible to individualize weight loss for each patient
  
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You should be at least 40 pounds overweight to consider the LAP-BAND® System. A better measure for determining your eligibility, however, is your BMI (Body Mass Index), a calculation based on your height and weight. The LAP-BAND® is generally recommended for patients with a BMI of 30-65.

How Gastric Bypass Surgery Works

Gastric bypass uses both a restrictive and a mal-absorptive surgery technique. It restricts food intake and the amount of calories and nutrients the body absorbs. In addition to creating a smaller stomach pouch, the surgery changes the body's normal digestive process. As a result, food bypasses a large part of the stomach and most of the small intestine.

The gastric bypass procedure

Gastric bypass surgery can be performed through an open procedure or a laparoscopic (minimally invasive) procedure. Laparoscopic surgery is performed using small incisions—and usually means a shorter hospital stay, faster recovery, smaller scars, and less pain than open surgical procedures. Most surgeons prefer the laparoscopic approach.

During a gastric bypass procedure, both restrictive and malabsorptive surgery techniques are performed. The surgeon first creates a small stomach pouch and then attaches a section of the small intestine directly to the pouch. This allows food to bypass a portion of the small intestine, which absorbs calories and nutrients. Having a smaller stomach pouch causes you to feel full sooner and eat less food; bypassing a portion of the small intestine means your body absorbs fewer calories. Gastric bypass patients report an early sense of fullness and satisfaction that reduces the desire to eat.

One study found that following laparoscopic gastric bypass, patients were able to leave the hospital after 2 days and return to work after 21 days. 

What are the potential risks and complications of gastric bypass surgery?

As with any surgical procedure, potential risks and complications can occur with gastric bypass. We're committed to providing you with the information you need to make a well-informed decision about your surgery. Although these problems rarely occur, we want you to know the facts. Listed below are gastric bypass risks and abdominal surgery risks.

Potential concerns and risks of gastric bypass:

• A condition known as dumping syndrome can occur from eating high-fat, high-sugar foods. The results can be unpleasant and may include vomiting, nausea, weakness, sweating, faintness, and diarrhea. Some patients actually view this as a positive mechanism that prevents them from reverting back to unhealthy eating habits.
• Patients must supplement their diet with a daily multivitamin and calcium. Some patients must take vitamin B12 and/or iron.
• The stomach, duodenum, and parts of the small intestine cannot be seen easily using X-ray or endoscopy if there are problems after surgery such as ulcers, bleeding, or malignancy.
• Dehiscence (separation of tissue that was stitched or stapled together)
• Leaks from staple lines
• Ulcers
• Increased gas